SUMMER IS ALMOST here, and that means Marin is set to offer nonstop fun from Novato to Sausalito and everywhere in between.

The "Sound of Music" — the Mountain Play's 100th performance — kicks off the season this weekend, and before the kids head back to school, Marin will welcome "Weird Al" Yankovic among other big names performing at the County Fair, whose theme this year is "Schools Rule;" party at art, food and music festivals; cheer on Fourth of July parades; ogle the artwork on San Rafael's streets (yes, Italian Street Painting Marin is back); and watch films and Shakespeare plays under the stars. And, for the first time, we'll even have our own Mini Maker Faire.